Oregon State
Oregon State Volleyball Showcase
Nancy Somera Era Opens With Two Wins
September 03, 1999 | Women's Volleyball
Sept. 3, 1999
CORVALLIS, Ore. - The Nancy Somera era officially opened on Friday, and with it came two victories for the Oregon State volleyball team.
Under the direction of the first-year head coach, OSU came away with wins over Portland State and TCU at the Volleyball Showcase. The Beavers defeated PSU, 3-1 (14-16, 15-2, 15-4, 15-4) in the afternoon before sweeping TCU in the evening (15-12, 15-13, 15-13).
"They played with a lot of heart today, especially against TCU," Somera said. "Our passing wasn't where we wanted it, but they stepped it up on defense and got the job done that way. It was a great team effort all day long."
Sanna Jensen posted double-doubles in both matches, collecting career-highs of 12 kills and 12 digs in the win over the Vikings before coming through with 10 kills and 12 digs against TCU. Jensen also served a career-high four aces and hit .458 in the match with PSU.
Sarah Bjeldanes tallied 26 kills and 18 digs for the day, and Angie Shirley added another 22. Brandi Bonnarens had 83 assists and 11 kills, while Jessica Papell had a career-high 16 digs in the win over TCU. Freshman Michele Solomon got her collegiate career off to a good start as well, finishing the day with 13 kills and nine blocks.
"Jessicca Papell had 16 digs as a defensive specialist, and that's impressive. Our blocking really came through against TCU," Somera said. "Did we do everything perfect? No. But we competed hard, and if we can do that consistently, then we can win a lot of matches."
The Beavers continue play at the Volleyball Showcase on Saturday, September 4. At noon, the Beavers play Northern Iowa, the only other unbeaten team at the tourney. OSU closes out the tournament with a 7:30 p.m. match against Missouri.
Volleyball Showcase Scores and Results Oregon State def. Portland State, 3-1 (14-16, 15-2, 15-4. 15-4)
Oregon State def. TCU, 3-0 (15-12, 15-13, 15-13)
Missouri def. Portland State, 3-1 (15-0, 6-15, 15-13, 15-8)
Northern Iowa def. TCU, 3-0 (15-9, 16-14, 15-0)
Northern Iowa def. Missouri, 3-1 (16-14, 13-15, 15-5, 15-7)
